Blink Cameras Failed To Arm: How To Fix [2023]

"Camera(s) failed to Arm" - this is what I got on the Blink App a couple of days back when I tried to arm my Blink Cams.

Blink has always been reliable with rudimentary actions like arming the Cam or enabling motion detection.

And when the dreaded message popped up on the Blink app, I kicked myself into action to find a fix. And it was indeed a fruitful endeavor.

If Blink Cameras fail to arm, check the network status and power cycle the Camera and the Sync Module. As the next step, check and enable Motion detection. If you have enabled Schedules on Blink, disable them and then try to Arm the Cam.

Let's now take a look at a brief account of why Blink Cams fail to arm:

ScenarioCauses and Fixes
Cannot arm Blink Cam on the appNetwork issue; Power cycle the Router/Modem
Blink Cam armed but not recording eventsConfiguration issue; check and enable motion detection after arming the Cam
Good Sync Module signal strength but low Blink Cam signal strengthProximity issue; relocate the Cam/Sync Module closer to each other
Other scenarioscheck for network issues; enable Schedules for arming the Cam
Why Blink Cam fails to arm

Here's a more detailed guide on the various troubleshooting steps to try out if your Blink camera fails to arm.

Check Network Status on Blink App

A proper and stable network connection is essential for operating Blink systems efficiently.

Unstable network connections can render the Camera extremely spotty with command registration and execution. The Sync Module flashing Green LED is a good indicator of network issues.

And Blink Cams do not require a lot of bandwidth or speed to work. A stable network with a data transfer speed of about 2 Mbps is all that a Blink Cam demands.

Blink Cams do not connect directly to the network. It establishes a connection to the network via the Sync Module.

You can check the status of the connection of your Cam and Sync Module through the Blink App. Here's how to do so:

1. Open the Blink app and select the Settings icon of your Camera (3 horizontal bars).

2. Scroll down to the Network tab within the General Settings tab.

Blink General Settings

3. Tap on the Update tile to pull a real-time reading of the connection status.

Blink Connection status

The Cam and Sync module must have 3 bars of signal strength to operate efficiently.

If the signal strength falls below 3 bars, it is better to run a speed test to further analyze the status of the network.

Perform a speed test through a mobile application or a browser site like ookla or fast.com.

If you find a disparity in values on any network parameter like speed or latency, try refreshing the network to make it stable again.

Here's how you do so:

Power Cycle the Router/Modem

Router unplugged

One of the most effective methods of refreshing the network is to power cycle the Router/Modem.

Power cycling the Router is also an effective fix for Blink not connecting to the WiFi issue.

Follow these steps to do so:

1. Unplug the power cable from the Router/Modem. Leave it idle for a few seconds.

2. Hold the power button on the Router for a couple of seconds. Repeat this step a few times.

3. Plug back in the power cable and turn ON the Router.

Run the Speed test on the Router, and check if the network has become stable. If so, connect back the Blink Cam and Sync Module, and check for the issue.

Blink systems require a network connection to the 2 GHz band. If the traffic on this band is too high, you can expect connection-based disruptions on the Blink Cam.

To reduce the traffic on the network, switch the connection on other devices to the 5 GHz band.

Here's a video walkthrough from us that can help you troubleshoot your blink camera not arming.

Blink Camera Failed to Arm: How to Troubleshoot

Move Blink Cam Closer to the Sync Module

Blink Cam next to Sync Module and Router

As discussed earlier, the Blink Camera connects to the network through the Sync Module.

And so, if the Cam is placed far beyond the range of the Sync Module, things could get complicated.

If you can't arm the Blink Cam, try moving it closer to the Sync Module. The shorter the proximity, the better.

The Sync Module can accommodate Blink Cams located within a 100 ft radius. Only remember that opaque objects and solid structures can affect the effective range.

Avoid placing the Cam near a wirelessly-communicating device like a Smart Fridge or a Gaming console. Doing so can induce interference in the connection.

You can check the status of the connection by going to Settings>Status>Update.

A signal strength of 3 bars indicates a proper connection between the Sync Module and the Camera.

Power Cycle Blink Cam and Sync Module

Sync Module unplugged

One reason for Blink Cam to become unresponsive to your Arming command is because of bugs and errors taking refuge in the system.

Whether from overuse or faulty updates, errors can creep into the system and cause all sorts of trouble.

Even if you can resolve this inconsistency in several ways, a power cycle test would be the most imperative of choices.

A power cycle test is, essentially, a system refresh with the added advantage of removing all pent-up static charges from the system internals.

As a result, the system becomes much more efficient and faster.

Power cycling is an effective method of resolving thumbnail issues on Blink Cam.

Now, with Blink, you'll have to power cycle two devices to fix this issue - the Cam and the Sync Module.

Follow these steps to do so:

With Blink Cam:

1. Remove the Blink camera from its holder and remove the Black plate. (Use the supplied tool to do so with select models like Blink Doorbell or Outdoor)

Blink Cam Battery Compartment

2. Remove the two AA batteries and leave the Cam idle for a few seconds; a minute will also do.

3. Reinsert the batteries and power ON the Camera.

With Sync Module:

1. Unplug the power cable from the Module.

2. Leave it to rest for about a minute.

3. Plug back in the cable and power ON the Sync Module.

Sync the devices back to the app and try arming the Camera now.

With some Blink models, like the Blink Mini, you can use it as a standalone device without a Sync module.

Replace the Batteries on Blink Camera

Blink Cam unpowered

Run-down batteries can also render the Cam all janky.

If and when met with issues that pertain to the Camera being unresponsive to your commands, better check the status of the battery.

Even if you have a well-and-running Sync Module at your disposal, if the Cam runs out of juice, it will render your commands void.

Here's how to replace the batteries on your Blink Camera:

1. After you remove the Camera from its holster/holder, remove the silicon patch covering the back plate latch.

2. Using the proprietary Removal Tool, unscrew the latch to remove the back plate.

Remove the Back Cover

On the Blink Indoor Gen 1, XT, and XT2, slide the latch toward the direction indicated to remove the back plate.

3. Remove the worn-out batteries and replace them with fresh ones.

Blink Cam Battery Compartment

For better battery longevity, use 1.5V Lithium batteries instead of other generic AA batteries.

4. Reapply the Back Plate and secure it tightly.

Power ON the Camera and check for the issue now.

Check and Enable Motion Detection on Blink Camera

Motion Detection is a crucial aspect of Blink Cameras. And if you have it disabled on your Blink Cam, there is a chance that you won't be able to arm your Blink Cam.

Usually, you would enable motion detection on your Cam once it is armed. You would do so by tapping on the Running Man icon next to your Cam tile on the Live View tab.

But since we cannot arm the Blink Cam, we'll have to try the other way.

Follow these steps to do so:

1. Open the Settings tab of the Camera.

2. Tap open the Motion Settings tab.

3. Toggle ON the Motion Detection tile.

Blink Motion detection enabled

Exit the tab and check for the issue now.

You could also adjust the Motion Detection sensitivity from the Settings tab if you have trouble detecting motion on your Blink Cam.

Disable Schedules on Blink Camera

Schedules are a great way of arming and disarming your Blink Cams if you're too busy to do it yourself regularly.

But Schedules come with a distinct feature. It so happens that once they are enabled, they override every other mode of arming/disarming the Cam.

And this may be the prime reason you can't arm the Cam yourself.

Blink recommended that, when met with arming issues, disable or delete Schedules and then try arming the Cam again.

Follow these steps to disable Schedules on your Blink Camera:

1. Open the Settings tab on the Blink App by tapping on the Settings icon from the bottom of the screen.

2. Tap open Devices and System settings.

3. Select the System you want to arm.

4. Toggle ON Disabled next to the Scheduling tile.

Disable Schedules

5. Alternatively, you can delete the Schedule by opening the Scheduling tile and selecting the Delete (Dust bin) icon.

Blink Delete Schedule

Exit the Settings tab and check for the issue now.

Factory Reset Blink Camera and Sync Module

If none of the fixes I mentioned above seems to work for you, as a last-ditch effort, hard reset the Blink cam and Sync Module.

Factory resetting your Blink Cam will remove all personal preferences and data forever.

Gone, too, are all the system inconsistencies like bugs and errors.

Now, with most Blink Cams, you only have to reset the Sync Module to refresh the system.

Only with select models, like the Blink Mini, do you have to reset the Camera.

Let's first reset the Sync Module:

Sync Module Reset button

1. Locate the Reset Button on the Sync Module next to the USB port.

RED LED indication on Sync Module

2. Press and hold the Reset button until the LED flashes RED.

3. Once the Reset completes, the LED will flash Blue and Solid Green.

Sync Module LEDs

To reset Blink Cams, follow these steps:

1. Find the Reset Button on the bottom of the Cam.

2. Press and hold the Reset Button till the LED blinks RED and BLUE.

3. The Reset is complete when the LED shines BLUE.

You can now reconfigure the devices and check for the issue.

Uninstalling the Blink Home Monitor app is also a potent fix. Do so by tapping and holding the Blink app tile from the home screen of your device> Remove/Uninstall.

Reinstall the app after refreshing your device and check for the issue now.

Final Thoughts

Blink is many things - one of the best when it comes to Motion detection - but that doesn't make it immune to the most basic of issues, like not being able to arm the Cam.

Fortunately, fixing this issue is as simple as fixing Live View problems on Blink Cam.

With this article, you have all the steps to fix arming issues on Blink Cam.

If you have any further tribulations about this or any other issue, feel free to contact the customer services of Blink for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I make my arm Blink automatically?

To automatically arm your Blink Cam, make use of the Scheduling feature. You can access this feature by going to Settings> Devices and System Settings> your System> Scheduling.

Does Blink work if Wi-Fi goes out?

No, Blink Cameras require an active network connection to work. Blink Cams operate on the 2.4 GHz band for communications and saving clips.

How do you fix a Blink camera mount?

Blink Cams come paired with a right-angled adapter and mount with additional screws. If you're mounting the Cam in a vertical position, use the right-angle Adapter to attach the Cam to the Mount. For horizontal mounting, attach the Mount directly to the Camera.

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About Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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